The rain started mid-morning, a soft drizzle that quickly turned into a steady downpour. From their apartment window, the world outside looked like a watercolor painting—gray skies blending with the vibrant green of the trees and the occasional splash of color from umbrellas hurrying along the sidewalks. Phana, however, saw the rain as more than just weather; it was an invitation.
He stood by the window, his hands pressed against the cool glass as he watched the droplets race each other down the pane. His excitement was palpable, his feet tapping lightly against the floor. "Ming," he called, his voice laced with anticipation.
Ming, ever the practical one, was in the kitchen drying dishes. A towel was slung over his shoulder, and his movements were precise and efficient. "Hmm?" he replied without looking up.
Phana turned to him, his eyes bright with mischief. "Let's go outside."
Ming froze mid-motion, turning to give him a look that clearly questioned his sanity. "Outside? In this weather?"
"Yes! It'll be fun," Phana insisted, practically bouncing on his toes. "When's the last time you danced in the rain?"
"I don't dance," Ming replied flatly, though his lips twitched, betraying the faintest hint of amusement.
Phana crossed his arms and gave Ming his best pout, the one that always seemed to chip away at Ming's resolve. "You're no fun."
Ming sighed, setting the dish down and folding the towel neatly. "Fun doesn't usually involve pneumonia," he pointed out, but even as he said it, he could feel himself caving.
"Oh, come on, Ming," Phana pleaded, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the door. "You're such a worrier. Live a little!"
Ming allowed himself to be pulled, shaking his head as they reached the door. "Fine," he relented, his tone exasperated but his eyes soft. "But if you catch a cold, I'm not playing nurse."
Phana grinned, his victory sealed. "Deal!"
The moment they stepped outside, the rain greeted them like an old friend. It was cold but not biting, a refreshing cascade that soaked them instantly. The sound of raindrops hitting the pavement mixed with the distant hum of the city, creating a serene symphony.
Phana didn't waste a second. He ran out into the open courtyard, spinning in circles with his arms outstretched, his laughter ringing through the air. His hair clung to his forehead, and his clothes were quickly plastered to his slender frame, but he didn't care.
Ming, meanwhile, stood under the awning, his arms crossed as he watched Phana with a mixture of amusement and mild annoyance. "Are you just going to spin around until you get dizzy?" he called out.
"Are you just going to stand there like a statue?" Phana shot back, sticking out his tongue.
Ming sighed, running a hand through his now-damp hair. "You're going to regret this when you're sneezing nonstop tomorrow."
Phana stopped spinning and walked toward him, his eyes sparkling despite the rain. "You're such a buzzkill sometimes, you know that?"
Ming opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Phana grabbed his hand and pulled him into the rain. Ming stumbled slightly, his shoes splashing in a puddle, but Phana's laughter was infectious.
"Loosen up, Ming!" Phana said, spinning him around playfully. "It's just water."
"It's cold," Ming grumbled, but he didn't pull away.
"Then I'll warm you up," Phana teased, stepping closer.
Ming raised an eyebrow, but before he could formulate a response, Phana stood on his tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. It was light and fleeting, but it left Ming momentarily stunned.
"Phana," Ming said, his voice low and a little hoarse, "you're insane."
"And you love me for it," Phana replied cheekily, his grin wide and mischievous.
Ming sighed, though it was more of an exhale of fondness than exasperation. "You're going to be the death of me," he muttered, but his arms moved instinctively to wrap around Phana's waist.
Phana tilted his head, his eyes searching Ming's. "Admit it. You like this, don't you? The rain, the spontaneity, me dragging you out of your comfort zone."
Ming chuckled, his fingers brushing a stray strand of wet hair from Phana's face. "I like you," he corrected softly. "Everything else is secondary."
Phana's teasing demeanor softened, replaced by something more tender. "You're such a sap," he whispered, leaning into Ming's touch.
"And yet you're the one kissing me in the rain," Ming countered, a rare smirk gracing his lips.
Phana laughed, the sound warm and bright even in the chill of the rain. "Guilty as charged."
Ming didn't give him a chance to say anything else. He tilted Phana's chin up gently and pressed their lips together, this time taking his time. The world around them seemed to fade away—the rain, the city, everything but the warmth they found in each other.
Phana's arms looped around Ming's neck, pulling him closer. The rain continued to fall, but it no longer felt cold. It was as if the warmth between them radiated outward, wrapping them in a cocoon of shared affection.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.
"You're not such a bad kisser, you know," Phana said, his voice teasing but soft.
Ming chuckled, his hands still resting on Phana's waist. "I could say the same about you."
They stayed like that for a while, swaying slightly in the rain as if caught in their own private dance. Eventually, Ming pulled back, brushing a thumb over Phana's cheek. "Let's get inside before you actually catch a cold."
Phana pouted but allowed Ming to lead him back toward the apartment. "Fine. But admit it—this was fun."
Ming glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "It was."
Phana beamed, slipping his hand into Ming's as they walked inside. "Told you so."
And though neither of them said it aloud, they both knew this was a moment they'd remember—a rainy day turned into something magical, simply because they were together.
